The Shortlist Revealed: 7 Actresses Vying To Play Rapunzel In Disney’s Live-Action Tangled
The anticipation for Disney's live-action adaptation of the beloved 2010 animated film, Tangled, has reached a fever pitch as of December 2025. While the studio has yet to make an official casting announcement, multiple reliable reports confirm that the search for the perfect Rapunzel and her charming rogue, Flynn Rider, is in its final stages, with a clear shortlist of young Hollywood stars having been tested in London. The decision on who will embody the iconic Disney Princess with the 70 feet of magical golden hair is imminent, fueling intense speculation among fans and industry insiders.
The upcoming remake is set to follow the original’s enchanting storyline, bringing the tale of the princess trapped in a tower by Mother Gothel, her dream of seeing the floating lanterns, and her adventure with the dashing bandit to a new generation. With filming rumored to be scheduled for the UK in mid-2026, the final casting choices will define the tone and success of one of Disney’s most highly-anticipated live-action projects. Here is the complete breakdown of every top contender and the key production details revealed so far.
The Top Contenders to Play Rapunzel: A Detailed Shortlist
The role of Rapunzel requires a unique combination of youthful innocence, adventurous spirit, and, crucially, strong vocal talent. The current shortlist features a mix of established stars and rising talents, with one name reportedly emerging as the frontrunner.
- Mckenna Grace: The Reported Frontrunner
Grace, known for her roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Handmaid's Tale, is widely cited as a leading candidate for the role. Her extensive experience in both dramatic and family-friendly projects, coupled with her proven acting range, makes her a strong choice for the sheltered yet determined princess. - Sadie Sink: The Fan-Favorite Contender
The Stranger Things star has been a popular fan-cast for Rapunzel for years. Sink's impressive performance depth and global recognition from her work as Max Mayfield make her a powerful and highly-desired choice for the demanding role. - Isabel May: The Western Star
Known for her leading role in the Yellowstone prequel series 1883, May brings a strong, compelling screen presence to the list. Her ability to anchor a major production positions her as a serious contender for the Disney Princess role. - Freya Skye: The Pop Star Potential
The British singer and actress, who represented the UK in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, is another name mentioned on the shortlist. Her background in music suggests she possesses the necessary singing ability for the musical numbers in the film. - Sarah Catherine Hook: The Vampire Hunter
Hook is recognized for her starring role in the Netflix series First Kill. Her inclusion on the shortlist indicates Disney is looking at actresses who have experience leading genre-bending projects. - Teagan Croft: The DC Universe Connection
Best known for playing Raven in the DC series Titans, Croft's name has also surfaced. Her experience in a major franchise could be a key factor in Disney's decision-making process. - Olivia-Mai Barrett: The British Talent
Barrett, a young British actress who has appeared in various UK television projects, is another name in the mix, suggesting Disney's casting search is truly global.
The final choice for Rapunzel will inevitably spark debate, as fans have strong opinions on who can best capture the magic of the original character voiced by Mandy Moore.
Who Will Be Our Live-Action Flynn Rider? The Shortlist for Eugene Fitzherbert
The search for Rapunzel’s love interest, the charming and roguish Eugene Fitzherbert (better known as Flynn Rider), is equally competitive. The actor must possess the charisma, comedic timing, and vocal chops to match the animated character voiced by Zachary Levi. The current shortlist primarily focuses on two Disney-connected actors and a few other rising stars.
- Milo Manheim: The Disney Channel Favorite
Manheim, the male lead of Disney’s successful Zombies franchise, is a top contender. His existing relationship with the studio, proven singing and dancing abilities, and youthful appeal make him a very strong candidate for the role of the reformed thief. - Charlie Gillespie: The Musical Series Star
Gillespie, known for his role in the Netflix musical series Julie and the Phantoms, is another actor in the running. His musical background is a significant advantage, as the live-action Tangled is expected to retain the original’s popular songs. - Gilli Jones: The Newcomer
A less-known name, Gilli Jones, is also reportedly being considered. Disney often casts relative newcomers in major roles, providing an exciting opportunity for a fresh face to bring the character of Flynn Rider to life. - Danny Ramirez: The Interested Party
Although not officially on the shortlist, Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez has publicly expressed interest in taking on the role, a move that could sway casting directors if the final decision remains challenging.
The dynamic between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider is the heart of the story, making the chemistry read between the final selected actors a critical step in the casting process. The live-action adaptation must nail this central relationship, as well as the non-human entities like the chameleon Pascal and the horse Maximus, who are sure to be rendered with cutting-edge CGI.
Behind the Tower: Director, Writer, and Production Timeline
While the casting remains the most talked-about element, the creative team behind the camera is equally important for ensuring the live-action remake honors the spirit of the original. Disney has assembled a high-profile team to shepherd the project.
Michael Gracey Directing
The film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, best known for helming the globally successful musical The Greatest Showman. Gracey’s experience with large-scale musical sequences, vibrant visuals, and emotionally resonant storytelling suggests the Tangled remake will be a spectacular and faithful musical adaptation. His vision is expected to bring a grand, theatrical quality to the kingdom of Corona and Rapunzel’s isolated tower.
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson Writing the Script
The screenplay is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Her credits include co-writing the script for Marvel's Thor: Love and Thunder and directing the Netflix dark comedy Do Revenge. Robinson’s knack for sharp dialogue and modernizing classic tropes suggests a script that will be both respectful of the source material and engaging for a contemporary audience. Her involvement is a strong indicator that the live-action Rapunzel will be a witty and empowered heroine.
Production and Release Expectations
The latest production update suggests that Disney is planning to begin principal photography in the United Kingdom in June 2026. This timeline indicates that the official casting announcements for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the crucial role of the villainess Mother Gothel should be finalized and revealed in early 2026. The lengthy production schedule is typical for a major Disney live-action musical, which will require extensive visual effects work to realize the iconic long hair and the memorable lantern sequence. While no official release date has been set, a late 2027 or early 2028 theatrical release window seems plausible, allowing time for post-production and the creation of the film's stunning visual world.
The live-action Tangled remake is shaping up to be a monumental endeavor for Disney. With a highly sought-after cast shortlist and a proven creative team, the film is poised to be one of the most exciting additions to the studio's growing slate of live-action adaptations. Fans eagerly await the moment the official cast is announced, finally confirming who will step into the tower and onto the big screen as the next Rapunzel.
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